RIYADH: WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia are able to make voice and video calls again after a hiatus of six years.
The lifting of restrictions on voice and video calls by WhatsApp comes as a surprise, as there had been no prior announcement from the authorities. The feature can be used by group members to track locations during meet-ups, according to the news reports.
According to technology expert Abdullah Al-Subaei, the move aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The decision is likely to improve communication for users across the Saudi Arabia.
WhatsApp popular globally
WhatsApp, which is the most popular messaging app globally, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016. However, these features were blocked in the Kingdom in 2019 due to regulatory policies. There is no official confirmation whether the reactivation is permanent. The users have welcomed the change, according to the media reports.
Moreover, the Kingdom has become the top destination for Pakistani travelers, with a 100% annual increase in the number of Pakistanis visiting the country. According to popular travel service app “Wego” in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the number of Pakistanis traveling to the Kingdom has increased significantly during the last one year.
The country’s tourism industry is rapidly expanding, driven by ambitious mega-projects like NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea, and The Red Sea Project. The projects emphasise luxury and eco-tourism, poised to redefine global tourism standards.
Under its Vision 2030, the Kingdom is striving to promote tourism in the country, and it remains a favoured destination for thousands of Pakistanis who travel annually for religious duties, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia remains a popular tourist destination among Pakistanis, with the number of travelers growing by more than 100% year-on-year.
